Sensemaker

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One story every day to make sense of the world

Tortoise Media


    • Aug 6, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 7m AVG DURATION
    • 1,167 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Sensemaker

    Why is life so tough for migrant workers in Jersey?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 7:26


    Work permits are controlled by a migrant's employer and holders can only stay on the island for nine months at a time. To listen to Ada Barumé and Orlando Crowcroft's Slow Newscast investigation into migrant workers on the island click HERE.Writer: Ada Barumé Producer: Serena CesareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What's happening to Palestine Action supporters?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 6:50


    Palestine Action was proscribed on 5 July, putting the direct action group in the same legal category as groups such as al-Qaida and Islamic State. Since then, around 200 people have been arrested for supporting the group.To read Jon's interview with Deborah Hinton click HERE.Writer: Jon Ungoed-ThomasProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Compensated for an exorcism

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 8:36


    Matthew Drapper was subjected to an exorcism to rid him of the “demonic possession” of homosexuality. Writer: Phoebe Davis Host: Tomini Babs Photography: Sofia FentonProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Are credit card companies the biggest force in online content moderation?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 9:04


    Hundreds of thousands of games have disappeared from platforms in a crackdown, raising questions about who should be making decisions about content moderation.Host: Tomini BabsWriter: Bex SanderProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca MooreEpisodic Artwork by Darling Demon Eclipse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What are we losing when we turn forests into farmland?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 7:44


    According to the world's biggest bird survey, clearing rainforest to make way for cattle farms is even more harmful to biodiversity than we thought.Writer: James TapperProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Ada BaruméEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How much aid is getting through to Gaza?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 7:22


    Israel has initiated daily pauses in its military operations - to allow more aid to get into Gaza. But how much aid is getting through and will it be enough for the Palestinians who rely on it?Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Sofia FentonExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can ChatGPT replace my therapist?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 8:23


    As people are turning to AI for mental health support and relationship advice, could chatbots replace the role of a trusted friend, or even a therapist?Writer: Ada BarumeProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Tomini Babs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How did the Lionesses do it again?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 7:16


    The England women's football team won the Euros for a second time, after they defeated Spain 3-1 on penalties in the final, having drawn 1-1 after extra time, two years after they lost to the same opponent in the World Cup final.Writer: Jessy Parker HumphreysProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Matt Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can a new drug help us to live longer?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 6:28


    The pharmaceutical industry is pursuing what some consider to be the holy grail: developing and licensing the first drug that slows the body's natural aging process.Writer: Jon Ungoed-ThomasProducer: Casey Magloire Host: Tomini Babs Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can Donald Trump deport more than a million undocumented migrants?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 7:02


    The Trump administration is setting the stage for what might become the largest deportation of illegal immigrants in US history. Can it succeed? Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Amalie SortlandHost: Casey MagloireTo find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How did Volodomyr Zelensky's choice of clothing spark a $200 million bet and an online rebellion?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 7:50


    How Ukraine's president, Volodomyr Zelensky, sparked a $200 million dollar crypto bet and an online rebellion through his choice of clothing. Writer: Bex SanderProducer: Katie GunningHost: Ada BarumeEditor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What does the Afghan data leak mean for the 18,000 people on the list?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 7:42


    In 2022, a UK Special Forces official accidentally leaked the names of over 18,000 Afghan nationals, British special forces operatives and MI6 agents, putting thousands of lives at risk if the information fell into the wrong hands.Writer: James Tapper Producer: Jonathan LewisHost: Ada Barume Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why are sportswomen facing more abuse than ever?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 6:56


    Women's sports stars are receiving more abuse than men, but can't afford to leave social media.The interview with Katie Boulter is from BBC Sports.Writer: Jessica HaydenProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Alex Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why is Trump splitting with MAGA over Epstein?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 7:49


    President Trump has spent his political career promoting conspiracy theories for electoral gain, now he's trying to shut down one of the most enduring of the lot.Writer: Fred HarterProducer: Jonathan LewisHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What next for pro-Gaza protests?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 7:04


    Since the government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, dozens of people across the country have been arrested on suspicion of terror offences, for allegedly supporting the group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why are rape cases collapsing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 6:46


    Hundreds of victims and witnesses are walking away from rape cases before they reach trial.Writer: Jon Simpson Producer: Ada Barumé Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why did Elon Musk's Grok praise Hitler?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 7:04


    X's, formerly Twitter, chatbot Grok has been churning far-right sentiments. Writer: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Amalie SortlandExecutive producer: Matt Russell Photography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How do you fight mosquitos with mosquitos?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 7:25


    Scientists in Hawaii are using drones to drop millions of genetically modified mosquitoes across the archipelago, with the hope that it will help protect animals on the brink of extinction.Read Benji Jones' article on why mosquitoes are being dropped from drones in Hawaii HERERead more about the charity - Birds, Not Mosquitoes - HERE Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca MoorePhotography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why did Christian Horner leave Red Bull's F1 team?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 7:47


    Formula One's longest serving team principal has been sacked.Writer: Casey MagloireProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Photography: Joe Mee Additional Production: Poppy Bullard and Amalie Sortland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Does Donald Trump support Ukraine?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 7:58


    After unexpectedly pausing military aid to Ukraine last week, the US administration has once again reversed its decision.Writer: Nina KuryataProducer: Ada BaruméExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ukraine acast support ukraine donald trump support
    Could this be the end of police racial profiling in France?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 7:28


    Europe's top human rights court ruled that French police unfairly targeted a French citizen of African descent during a stop and search.Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Casey MagloireExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can Labour reduce obesity rates?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 7:07


    The NHS is undergoing a revolution, with health secretary Wes Streeting determined that his new 10-year plan launched last week will shift NHS care from hospitals to neighborhood health centres.Writer: Jon Ungoed-thomasProducer: Matt RussellHost: Ada BarumeEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The real Salt Path

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 10:29


    Penniless and homeless, the Winns found fame and fortune with the story of their 630-mile walk to salvation. We can reveal that the truth behind it is very differentWriter: Rebecca Moore with reporting from Chloe Hadjimatheou. Producer: Rebecca MooreHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What happened in the Sean ‘Diddy' Combs trial?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 9:25


    The 8-week trial has concluded and the former media mogul has been found guilty of two federal charges and is now facing time in prison. Writer and producer: Casey MagloireWith reporting from Stephen Armstrong. Executive producer: Rebecca Moore Photography: Joe Mee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why did so many Labour MPs oppose the welfare reform bill?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 8:29


    This week the government passed its planned welfare reforms in the House of Commons, despite a sizable backbench rebellion.Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How did Budapest Pride become a once in a generation protest?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 7:01


    Around 200,000 people attended Budapest pride, defying Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ban on the event. Why did Pride become the focus of anti-government protests?Writer: Phoebe Davis Host: Casey Magloire Photography: Alex JonesProducer: Casey Magloire Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Could AI mean the end for influencers?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 6:58


    Last week, a six-hour livestream hosted by an AI-generated influencer drew 13 million views and generated $7.5 million in sales for Baidu- a Chinese tech company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The man behind Tattle Life unmasked

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 8:28


    The founder of the gossip website is now known. Is this a victory for those targeted by the site? Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Tomini BabsEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why is Jeff Bezos' wedding sparking protests in Venice?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 8:27


    Amazon's billionaire founder is taking over the city for his wedding to Lauren Sanchez. Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will the victims of grooming gangs ever get justice?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 7:29


    The UK government has launched a new inquiry and national criminal investigation into the sexual exploitation of children by grooming gangs.Writer: Jon Ungoed-thomas Producer: Poppy Bullard Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will France's new powers stop small boat crossings?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 7:11


    The French authorities will soon have new powers to intercept small boats carrying asylum seekers across the English Channel, even if they are already at sea. Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Can one woman's legal victory change the future of fossil fuels?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 7:37


    After years of courtroom battles, campaigner Sarah Finch won a landmark Supreme Court case that could reshape how the UK approves oil, gas and coal projects.Writer: David Taylor Producers: Poppy Bullard Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What could happen next after the US bombed Iran?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 9:43


    Donald Trump ordered the strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran early Sunday morning. He said the US entered the war to stop the threat from “the world's number one state sponsor of terror”. Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Rebecca Moore Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Alex Jones Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Will Trump bomb Iran's nuclear fortress?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 8:30


    Could Donald Trump order a strike on Iran's underground nuclear site using a bunker-buster bomb – and what might the consequences be?Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producers: Jonathan Lewis and Poppy Bullard Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What's really in your can of tuna?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 6:00


    The UK eats hundreds of thousands of tonnes of tuna every year but not all of it is legally or sustainably caught. Writer: James TapperProducer: Ada BaruméHost: Andrew ButlerEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    How much energy and water does AI use?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 7:06


    Artificial intelligence is changing our lives and our world at an astonishing pace, but its hunger for data is matched by its need for energy and water. Writer: Jon Ungoed-thomasProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why is Benjamin Netanyahu striking Iran?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 8:19


    What does the escalating conflict in the middle east mean for Iran, its regime and hopes for a new nuclear deal with the US?Writer: Poppy Bullard with additional reporting from Chloe HadjimatheouProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey MagioreEpisode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why are physician associates attracting so much controversy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 7:49


    With findings of a government review on the role of physician associates expected any day now, what is the role, and why are some doctors so concerned about safety?Writer: Rachael HealyProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Alex JonesExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Has Rachel Reeves ended austerity?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 8:23


    Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week set out the government's spending plans for the next three years, committing billions of pounds to some departments, while significantly cutting others. She told MPs they were her “choices” - but are they the right ones?Writer: Cat Neilan, The Observer's Whitehall Editor Producer: Poppy Bullard Host: Tomini Babs Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    What's behind Trump's show of force in LA?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 6:22


    After small-scale protests over immigration raids erupt in Los Angeles, President Trump deployed the National Guard and later, the Marines. Writer: Stephen Armstrong Producer: Casey Magloire Host: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Joe Mee Executive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Musk's aid cuts will outlast his time in government

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 6:54


    Elon Musk may have left the Trump administration and fallen out with the president. But amidst all the noise over the breakup of their bromance, Musk's plan to claw back billions in foreign aid is quietly making its way through Congress. Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Serena CasareoHost: Claudia WilliamsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Is burning waste the answer to the UK's energy needs?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 6:38


    The government is planning on building a new generation of incinerators to generate electricity - including one on England's renowned Jurassic coast. Writer: Jon Ungoed-thomasProducer: Karla PatellaHost: Casey MagloireEpisode photography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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